Joshua Tree National Park got its name from the eponymous Joshua trees, which are not actually trees (they belong to the yucca plant family) and look something straight out of a fantasy novel. However, there is a lot to see here, especially for outdoor lovers. The area features a lot of rock formations, with favorites including Arch Rock and Skull Rock. The Hidden Valley, meanwhile, is a place you can access by going on a short and scenic hike.
Camping is also a popular activity in the area, with the best months to spend one night or more there in March, April, October, and November. Scroll down and take your pick from the best camping spots in Joshua Tree National Park if you want to experience bonding with nature.
1. Belle Campground
Adventure seekers who want to experience roughing it can opt to stay in Belle Campground. This campground may not have phone and Internet connectivity but it more than makes up for it with the views it offers of the night sky.
This campground has 18 sites. RVs are welcome here, but there are no hookups. Generator use is also limited to certain hours. Check-in and check-out are usually done at noon and slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Do make sure to bring your own water.
Belle Campground
Address: Belle Campground, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, United States (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Belle+Campground/@34.0017844,-116.0199479,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x7f36b0811d71b7c7?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjP0Pv10p-AAxWN7zgGHWTwDj0Q_BJ6BAhlEAA&hl=en&ved=2ahUKEwjP0Pv10p-AAxWN7zgGHWTwDj0Q_BJ6BAhyEAg)
2. Ryan Campground
Ryan Campground has 31 campsites, which you need to reserve before you can stay at one of them. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance. Options include bicycle and horse sites. RVs can be set up as well, although there are no electricity hookups here.
The year-round campground is at a central location, located just along California Riding and Hiking Trail. It is open all year round. Pets can be brought here, provided that they are leashed at all times and are not left unattended by pet owners.
Ryan Campground
Address: Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, United States (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Ryan+Campground/@33.9830742,-116.1545532,15z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x80dae976c5acdfd1:0xba21a13e0557056b!8m2!3d33.9830742!4d-116.1545532!16s%2Fg%2F1tf7bc_h?hl=en&entry=ttu)
3. Black Rock Campground
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This campground has nearly 100 sites, with each one being able to accommodate up to six people and three tents. There is also a picnic table and a fire ring per site. Guests are requested to keep fires small and to douse them thoroughly after use, because the fire may spread easily due to the dry climate. Sites here can also fit one or two vehicles depending on the space available. There are horse sites here as well.
This campground has cell phone reception and Internet connectivity, making this a great option for guests who prefer to stay connected. Visitors can stay here any time of the year.
Black Rock Campground
Address: Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, United States (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Black+Rock+Canyon+Campground/@34.0733332,-116.3897577,15z/data=!4m9!3m8!1s0x80dad8c682d0067f:0xc9f30dd5c386636!5m2!4m1!1i2!8m2!3d34.0733332!4d-116.3897577!16s%2Fg%2F1tr8lwby?hl=en&entry=ttu)
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4. Sheep Pass Group Campground
Planning to travel as a group? Consider staying at Sheep Pass Group Campground, which is one of the three group campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park. Travelers who love to surround themselves with magnificent views will enjoy seeing the rock formations and Joshua trees around the campground. This campground is a great choice if you want to hit the hiking trails or go rock climbing since it puts you close to these sites.
Make sure to reserve your slot before heading here. Do be aware that RVs and trailers cannot be accommodated here. Moreover, this campground is open all year round.
Sheep Pass Group Campground
Address: 74485 National Park Dr, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, United States (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Sheep+Pass+Campground/@33.9997666,-116.1202804,15z/data=!4m9!3m8!1s0x80daea33c7ae8c77:0xf54eb41923254b07!5m2!4m1!1i2!8m2!3d33.9997666!4d-116.1202804!16s%2Fg%2F1tj33f1m?hl=en&entry=ttu)
5. White Tank Campground
This campground is true to its name because it sits right by gigantic boulders. This option, which closes during summer and on certain holidays, welcomes pets as long as they are leashed. Stargazers will love this option as it sits close to the darkest area in the park.
RVs and trailers can be brought here provided that they are within the length requirements. Each campsite can fit up to six people, three tents, and two cars. Make sure to secure food when you’re staying here to avoid inviting wildlife to to the site.
White Tank Campground
Address: White Tank Campground, 2 White Tank Campground Rd, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, United States (https://www.google.com/maps/place/White+Tank+Campground/@33.9850632,-116.0171688,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x58a9a46fb8982a6e?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjTlrfy6J-AAxWFyDgGHYOlACwQ_BJ6BAhcEAA&hl=en&ved=2ahUKEwjTlrfy6J-AAxWFyDgGHYOlACwQ_BJ6BAhkEAg)
6. Indian Cove Campground
This campground, which is located off of Highway 62, is open all year round, although some of its 101 sites may be closed during summer. Site 1 here is ADA-accessible.
Some sites here can accommodate RVs and towed vehicles that have a length of up to 35 feet (10.67 meters). However, there is neither water nor hookups here. However, you can get water from the small ranger station close to the campground. Generators can be used at specific windows during the day and night. Pet owners should not leave their pets unattended and ensure that their furry family members are leashed at all times.
Indian Cove Campground
Address: Indian Cove Campground, 68917 Indian Cove Cir, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, United States (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Indian+Cove+Campground/@34.0947368,-116.1594701,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0xcdee6b81bc0c1bb9?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjozo_e85-AAxX5cmwGHRHpBDEQ_BJ6BAhoEAA&hl=en&ved=2ahUKEwjozo_e85-AAxX5cmwGHRHpBDEQ_BJ6BAhuEAg)
7. Jumbo Rocks Campground
Besides being known for its twisted plants, Joshua Tree National Park is also known for its rock formations, and staying here will give you the opportunity to surround yourself with these boulders.
Jumbo Rocks Campground is open all year round, with spring and fall being the seasons in which the temperatures are most comfortable. Regardless of what month you come and visit, make sure to keep your fire small and douse it after use. One of the campsites here, Campsite 122, is wheelchair-accessible and can accommodate an RV and a small tent. However, trailers are not allowed here.
Jumbo Rocks Campground
Address: Jumbo Rocks Campground, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, United States (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Jumbo+Rocks+Campground/@33.9916855,-116.0628417,15z/data=!4m9!3m8!1s0x80daeb3f34d9f931:0xf8fd7aaf5b634204!5m2!4m1!1i2!8m2!3d33.9916855!4d-116.0628417!16s%2Fg%2F1vtzhhpc?hl=en&entry=ttu)
8. Hidden Valley Campground
Don’t let its name intimidate you. This campground is actually relatively accessible, located off of Park Boulevard, and is near Barker Dam. Also, Hidden Valley Nature Trail is easily accessible from here as well. Do make sure to keep your food secure so wild animals don’t get to them. RVs and trailers can be brought here provided that they do not exceed 24 feet (7.32 meters).
The campgrounds feature 44 sites. There’s no water here but there are pit toilets that guests can use. A first-come, first-served policy is observed here throughout the year.
Hidden Valley Campground
Address: 74485 National Park Dr, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, USA (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Hidden+Valley+Campground,+74485+National+Park+Dr,+Twentynine+Palms,+CA+92277,+USA/@34.0169688,-116.1617095,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x80dae9c2c35dd407:0x519e0e8e97d4bbd1!8m2!3d34.017166!4d-116.1617824!16s%2Fg%2F11c67wm9rh?hl=en&entry=ttu)
9. Cottonwood Campground
This campground features 62 sites, which include three group campsites. Reservation is required to stay in one of these, and some sites may be closed between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The campground has potable water and flush toilets. Do make sure to bring your own firewood since using park vegetation for fire is not permitted.
RVs may be accommodated here, but be aware that no electric hookups exist here. If you plan on bringing a generator, do note that there are only certain hours when generator use is allowed. The dump station, meanwhile, is available all year round.
Cottonwood Campground
Address: 74485 National Park Dr, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, United States (https://www.google.com/maps/search/Cottonwood+Campground+Joshua+Tree/@33.743684,-115.8156221,18.98z?entry=ttu)
See the beauty of Joshua Tree National Park
There’s more to see in Joshua Tree National Park, as memorable as the twisted appearances of the yucca plant family members may be. Spend one night or more at one of these camping spots to give yourself time to explore the secrets of this area.
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